Shooting at Staten Island Shopping Center Leaves Employee Wounded

Police search for suspect who fled the scene after targeted attack on Target worker

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a blood-stained towel on the ground, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a violent crime in a retail setting.Evidence of a targeted shooting at a Staten Island shopping center exposes the community's growing concerns over public safety.Staten Island Today

A 20-year-old Target employee was shot in the back of the neck while arriving for her morning shift at a retail center in New Springville, Staten Island. The victim was transported to the hospital in stable condition, and authorities believe the shooting was a targeted attack, not a random act of violence. The suspect, described as a male wearing all-black clothing on a motorized scooter or motorcycle, fled the scene after the shooting.

Why it matters

This incident has left New Springville residents unsettled, as violent crimes are unusual for the area. The community response highlights growing anxiety over public safety as the NYPD continues its search for the suspect.

The details

The attack occurred around 7:35 a.m. on Friday in the parking lot of the retail center located at 2873 Richmond Ave. Evidence of the assault, including a blood-stained towel, remained visible as investigators roped off what appeared to be a side employee entrance. The victim was struck by a single round in the back of her neck but was transported to the hospital in stable condition.

  • The shooting occurred around 7:35 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • The Target store remained closed for the rest of Friday to accommodate the NYPD investigation and support the local team.

The players

Target

The retail store where the victim was employed and where the shooting took place.

NYPD

The New York Police Department is investigating the shooting and searching for the suspect.

Catherine Bridges

A local shopper who expressed a sense of enragement and fear over the incident, noting that such violent crimes are becoming more common in the area.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and are working closely with law enforcement as they investigate the crime scene.”

— Target Spokesperson

“While Staten Island was once considered safer from such incidents, they appear to be becoming more common.”

— Catherine Bridges, Local Shopper

What’s next

The NYPD is actively asking for the community's help to identify the individual sought for questioning in connection with the shooting and has urged witnesses to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing concerns over public safety in the New Springville community, as violent crimes that were once rare appear to be on the rise. The investigation into the targeted attack on the Target employee is ongoing, and the NYPD is seeking the public's assistance to identify the suspect.